When Google began offering Local Services Advertising (LSA), many home service companies benefited from advanced search rankings. The program was so flourishing that Google later expanded the LSA to select practices and certain law firms in limited geographic areas in an experimental program called Google Screened. In August 2020, Google expanded Google Screened to involve law firms nationwide and even more practice areas. Since the service is now rolling out nationwide, it presents an excellent opportunity for your law firm to reach the top of Google search results.
Read on to learn how using Google Screened can help you rank higher in search results.
What is Google Screened
To explain the purpose and benefits of the Google Screen program, we need to look at the reasons that provoked the search engine to launch its predecessor, Google Guaranteed.
Google introduces Guaranteed Program to increase trust in in-home service providers. Businesses that passed the company’s background check received a “Google Guaranteed” badge in their local service ads.
In addition, as part of the program, customers who book those services through local service ads are protected by a Google guarantee.
Guarantee means that if a customer is not satisfied with the quality of the contractor’s work, he/she can claim with Google. Upon review, the search engine will incorporate claims up to the job invoice amount, with a lifetime limit of $2,000.
In short, Google Screened functions very similarly to its predecessor. Eligible businesses must pass the business level and personal background and license checks.
Upon successful passing of those checks, the company can begin promoting its business with Google screened local search ads and a Google screened badge right above those listings.
The badge confirms that the firm has passed the required checks. It ensures clients that the professional they choose has been vetted and, as the search engine puts it as: “provides the added peace of mind as you work with them.”
However, there is no money-back guarantee for customers with this program. Google Screened focuses solely on building trust by verifying that Google has verified the business as a trustworthy vendor.
Benefits of Google Screened Certification
In addition to helping service providers beat their competition and expand their reach, Google Screened certification can also help professional service providers retain their existing clients. Customers who consider shopping nearby are more likely to return to the same business if they see that they have taken the time and effort to obtain certification.
It is important to note that businesses in the professional services industry that do not receive Google Screened certification cannot run Local Service Advertising (LSA) with Google. LSAs appear at the top of search engines before other paid ads.
Reviews are one of the most significant factors influencing the success of an LSA. To ensure good performance, service providers need more, if not more, good reviews and higher star ratings than their industry competitors. Many firms find it beneficial to ask existing customers to leave reviews. It is often done in an email following service.
Although getting Google Screened certification takes a long time, it is well worth the effort. Google Screened Professional service providers top the search engine results. The Google Screened badge shows existing and potential clients that Google has thoroughly vetted the business. It builds trust with consumers and helps in attracting more website traffic, thereby increasing the chances of conversion.
Important Requirements to Get the Badge
- Business-Level Background Check: Every business that applies must pass a background check.
- Business-Owner Background Check: Each applicable business owner must also pass a personal background check.
- Employee background checks: In some circumstances, every employee (including independent contractors, temporary hires, etcetera) who may provide services on behalf of the business must also have a background check.
- Insurance Check: Any category that requires general liability insurance must also submit its own active certificate of insurance.
- License Check: Business owners will need to provide proof of any applicable state or local licenses they may have in some circumstances.
Get Started with Google Screened Badge
These criteria include business-level checks. Business owners must also have to pass a background check. In some cases, employees may also be required to pass a background check before Google can issue a badge of trust.
Depending on your area, you’ll also need to pass a licensing and insurance check. In addition, you must maintain a three-star or higher ranking on Google Reviews.
Alternatively, Google Screened will be applicable to select professional service providers in the areas of finance, real estate, and law. Google currently performs screening for the following local services:
- Appliance Repair
- Architects
- Auto Glass
- Bankruptcy Lawyers
- Business Lawyers
- Car Repair
- Carpenters
- Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners
- Contract Lawyers
- Countertop Services
- Criminal Lawyers
- Disability Lawyers
- DUI Lawyers
- Electricians
- Estate Lawyers
- Event Planners
- Family Lawyers
- Fencing Services
- Financial Planners
- Flooring Services
- Foundations Services
- Garage Door Services
- House Cleaning Services
- HVAC Services
- Immigration Lawyers
- Interior Designers
- IP Lawyers
- Junk Removal Services
- Labor Lawyers
- Landscaping Services
- Lawn Care Services
- Litigation Lawyers
- Locksmiths
- Malpractice Lawyers
- Moving Services
- Personal Injury Lawyers
- Pest Control
- Pet Boarding
- Pet Grooming
- Photographers
- Plumbers
- Real Estate Agents
- Real Estate Lawyers
- Roofing Services
- Siding Services
- Tax Lawyers
- Tax Specialists
- Traffic Lawyers
- Tree Services
- Videographers
- Water Damage Services
- Window Cleaning Services
- Window Repair Services
Conclusion
Running an LSA and qualifying for Google Screened can be highly beneficial for businesses dealing with professional services.
If you have questions about Google Screened, contact our marketing strategist for assistance. If you need help with your digital marketing, feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call now!